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The Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program

To support underserved entrepreneurs to become retail ready.

 

Priority Application deadline is February 9th, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline.

Generously supported by Walmart.

Start your Application

Jessica Lewis, 2023 Alumna

The Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program is a competitive 16-week leadership and venture development program designed to support 25 underserved retail entrepreneurs who transform agricultural inputs into higher-value products or work directly in agriculture. Founders receive essential training, a curated list of retail readiness certifications and the financial stipend to pursue those certifications, mentorship, and access to a robust network and community. The program also offers long-term, sustainable alumni support to help entrepreneurs become retail-ready, scale their ventures, create jobs, and positively impact their communities.

Dates and Details

  • Dates: March 10th to June 30th, 2025 (16 weeks of programming).
  • Format: Weekly virtual workshops with localized gatherings and events when possible (8-10 hours per week time commitment). Sessions are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Mountain Time Zone (GMT-6).
  • Immersive & Orientation: 2-week virtual Immersive starting March 10th, 2025 (20–25 hours per week time commitment).
  • Basecamp:  Basecamp refers to a 1-3 day Impact Workshop led by each Founder in their community. Its purpose is to gather a base of participants, allowing Founders to showcase their ventures, receive feedback, and expand their network. Additionally, Basecamps offer participants a hands-on experience in exploring social impact through entrepreneurship. Read more about Basecamps below.
  • Retail Readiness Certification Stipend: Each Founder will have the opportunity to receive up to $1,000 to support their pursuit of external retail readiness certifications. This stipend helps cover certification fees and related expenses, supporting Founders in advancing their retail skills and career opportunities.

What You Will Accomplish

With the unwavering support of the Watson Institute team, you will receive a comprehensive roadmap to guide the growth and scalability of your agriculture focused work. Additionally, you will facilitate an impactful workshop (known as a Basecamp) in your community for your stakeholders, backed by a stipend, playbook, and team support to bring your vision to life.

Eligibility: Is This Training Program for Me?

Who we are looking for:

Who You Are:

You are an impact-driven entrepreneur, working directly in farming or creating value-added products based on agricultural inputs. Some examples of value-added products in agriculture include: ready-to-eat products, organic and specialty products, artisanal and craft products, natural fibers and textiles, cosmetics and personal care products, biofuels, bioproducts and more. This program supports historically underserved entrepreneurs who are making lasting impact in their communities.

Venture Stage:

You are an impact-driven entrepreneur with proven products, traction, and revenue, but not yet ready to scale. This program targets those in the ‘missing middle’ stage, between prototyping and scaling, who need support to achieve retail readiness. Ideal candidates have demonstrated impact in their communities and are in the Problem-Solution Fit or Product-Market Fit stages, with engaged customers and measurable impact and revenue.

Commitment:

You are able to commit to the 16-week program including a 2-week virtual immersive. We prioritize individuals who are fully committed to actively participating in the entire program. At the heart of the program is a strong sense of community, and its success hinges on the active engagement and enthusiasm of all participants, who are eager to both learn and share.

Where You Create Impact:

The training program is open to U.S.-based entrepreneurs from cities with the highest documented levels of wealth inequality, as measured by the GINI Index. The geographic scope for the program includes places like Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles, among many others.

What You Are Looking For:

You seek expert-guided training, a community of entrepreneurs for feedback, and a broad mentorship network to enhance your leadership and venture impact.

Demographics:

Adults 18 or Older.

Application Process

1. Applications Submitted: Complete the online application. This application should take approximately 45 minutes to fill out. The priority deadline for application submissions is February 9th, 2025. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis thereafter until the spots are filled.

2. First Round Review: Our Admissions Committee diligently reviews all applications, seeking entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong leadership qualities and ventures that are both innovative and scalable. Applications received after the deadline will be assessed on a rolling basis as needed.

3. Interview: Qualified applicants will receive invitations for a 20-minute one-on-one Zoom interview. This interview allows us to delve deeper into your motivations for pursuing the program and to gain a better understanding of your venture.

4. Admissions Committee Review: The most promising applicant profiles will be shared with our external Admissions Committee for their final review and selection.

5. Acceptances Announced: Notifications of acceptance will be sent out no later than February 21st, 2025.

6. Confirm & Enroll: The final step to complete your enrollment is to confirm your commitment to the program. Upon confirmation, you will receive an invitation to participate in a “Meet the Cohort Webinar” event leading up to the program’s commencement. The program begins on March 10th, 2025.

Watson Institute Alumni and Fellows have created 1,900 paid jobs (full and part-time) in their communities.

Lewis Wanjohi, 2023 Alumnus

The Training Program offers:

The Retail Readiness Program powered by Watson Institute is designed for impact driven entrepreneurs working in agriculture. The program aims to support entrepreneurs to achieve retail readiness, scale their ventures, and create significant community impact.

Retail Readiness Certifications & Leadership Training

Founders will receive access to retail readiness certifications and engage in weekly expert-led sessions covering:

• Foundations & Retail Strategy
• Product Development & Branding
• Financial Management & Access to Capital
• Marketing & Sales Strategies
• Operations & Scaling
• Pitch Development & Delivery

Community & Network Building

A diverse cohort of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit founders will form partnerships, collaborations, and further their growth and impact during and after the program. Community building activities include:
• Engagement with Watson Institute Alumni
• Basecamp training and events

Mentorship & Collaboration

Renowned leaders, entrepreneurs, and practitioners join the program to share their entrepreneurial journey and experience, as well as mentor the Founders. Participants are provided with multiple mentorship opportunities that include:
• Preceptor Advisory Board
• Impact Speaker Series
• Mentor Bonanza

Pitch Training & Summit

Throughout the program, Founders will refine their pitch through guided sessions focused on crafting their story, showcasing impact, and effectively communicating their vision. The Summit is the culminating event where Founders pitch and present their ventures to local leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs. It’s a platform to catalyze change, forge partnerships, and unlock new opportunities for growth and impact.

Apply Today!

Pay the Impact Forward: Empower Your Communities through Basecamps

Jessica Lewis, 2023 Alumna, Basecamp: The Lazy Entrepreneur’s Economic Growth Conference, Atlanta, United States

A Basecamp is a 1-3 day workshop hosted by Founders, designed to accelerate their impact, build community involvement, provide networking opportunities, practice skill-building, and obtain valuable feedback to enhance their ventures. Each Basecamp invites approximately 30 participants to engage in dynamic workshops and community-building. Founders receive a monetary stipend, a playbook, and team support to plan and facilitate their Basecamps.

As a key outcome of the Retail Readiness Program, all Founders will facilitate a Basecamp event during their time in the program.

Learn More

The Fellows are Making an Impact

Watson Institute Alumni from 81 countries have raised over $185 million in capital for their ventures, created over 1,900 part or full-time jobs, and impacted over 10 million people around the world through initiatives they help lead.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility for this program?

  • You are an impact-driven entrepreneur or community leader, working directly in farming or creating value-added products based on agricultural inputs. This could mean processing raw agricultural materials into something more useful and marketable or creating products that involve recycling or upcycling, reducing waste and environmental impact. Some examples of value-added products in agriculture include: ready-to-eat products, organic and specialty products, artisanal and craft products, natural fibers and textiles, cosmetics and personal care products, biofuels, bioproducts and more. This training program supports historically underserved entrepreneurs who are making lasting impact in their communities through innovation and value creation.
  • Your venture is in Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit Stage, with engaged customers or beneficiaries, and demonstrated outcomes in both impact and revenue. This typically includes a track record of successfully raising funds through grants, investments, donations, or other means to support your ventures.
  • You are able to commit to the 16-week program including the two-week virtual Immersive. We prioritize applicants who are fully committed to actively participating in the entire 16-week program. At the heart of the program is a strong sense of community, and its success hinges on the active engagement and enthusiasm of all participants, who are eager to both learn and share.
  • You are available to attend the workshops that are hosted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Retail Readiness Certification Stipend?

Each Founder will have the opportunity to receive up to $1,000 to support their pursuit of external retail readiness certifications. This stipend helps cover certification fees and related expenses, supporting Founders in advancing their retail skills and career opportunities.

How selective is this program?

We receive a high volume of applications each year and have a 4% selectivity rate across several programs.

 

What do the in-person components entail?

Founders facilitate a Basecamp event in their communities during their time in the program. They will also have the option to meet up with other Founders and lead community events together.

What is the application review timeline?

We understand the substantial interest in the program and strive to provide prompt responses. Decisions will be dispatched no later than  February 21st, 2025. Your patience during this process is greatly appreciated.

Can I apply if my country is not listed under the priority countries?

Unfortunately, we are not able to consider applications outside the geographies listed above. However, we run numerous programs a year and are likely to have an opportunity for you in the future. We encourage you to check back regularly and reach out to Watson Institute’s team members for more information.

I have another question and need assistance.

For all other questions, please reach out to Milena Kirillova at milena@watson.is.